Communities secretary Eric Pickles gave a speech at the launch Photograph: Guardian

A new report has criticised the government over its local enterprise partnership (LEP) policy, claiming an "unco-ordinated" approach between departments is acting as a barrier to engagement with local businesses.

The claims were made by the all party parliamentary group for local growth, LEPs and enterprise zones, whose report into the effectiveness of enterprise partnerships made eight recommendations for Whitehall.

Among the suggested changes to make LEPs more effective at stimulating local growth was the need for a stable policy environment, greater access to data and a commitment to core funding from government, so that LEPs are able to act independently.

The report is critical of the relationship between the three main departments responsible for LEPs and enterprise zones: Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Treasury.

Black Country LEP told the committee: "Lack of communication with the Treasury is a real issue [and] there is still a tendency for departments to act as 'gatekeepers' rather than develop a more 'partnership-based' culture."

Committee members concluded that this poor relationship resulted in delays, bad communication between LEPs and government, and between LEPs and the business community, and unrealistic expectations about what could be achieved.

Chair of the committee Brandon Lewis MP, said: "Economic growth and getting the economy moving is the only game in town so the recommendations of this report are both timely and hugely important. Much has been achieved but the findings of this report show that there are clearly still gaps and weaknesses that all parties including government must address as a matter of urgency.

"I would urge government to consider and accept these recommendations so that improvements can be taken forward."

Speaking at the launch of the report, communities secretary Eric Pickles called it "an excellent piece of work" and said he would be happy to implement most of the recommendations.

A government spokesman confirmed that core funding was being discussed. "Ministers have been considering the funding issue and will make an announcement in due course," he said.